SQL Server and LocalDB compete in the database management systems category. SQL Server seems to have the upper hand because of its extensive feature set, scalability, and enterprise-level capabilities.
Features: SQL Server offers dynamic resource allocation, Graphical Query Analyzer, and OLAP services. It also includes tools like Management Studio and SSIS for enhanced performance and memory management. LocalDB provides database engine compatibility, making it useful for developers who need a lightweight, streamlined solution.
Room for Improvement: SQL Server's installation may require additional resources, its complex pricing is a challenge for SMBs, and it lacks platform flexibility due to Windows dependency. LocalDB lacks advanced disaster recovery features, scalability, and direct cloud integration, limiting its suitability for larger deployments.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SQL Server can be deployed across various cloud environments and on-premises, offering flexibility for organizations. However, customer support experiences vary. LocalDB's deployment is mainly on-premises and is easy to manage, but it lacks the robust support structure that SQL Server provides.
Pricing and ROI: SQL Server offers versions from free to enterprise editions, with pricing based on core usage, which can be costly for larger deployments. It provides significant ROI due to its comprehensive features. LocalDB is cost-effective for personal or small business use, with a free license, though it lacks advanced features that may limit ROI for expanding businesses.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| SQL Server | 12.1% |
| LocalDB | 1.5% |
| Other | 86.4% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 119 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 59 |
| Large Enterprise | 115 |
SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) by Microsoft. The product's main purposes are to store data and retrieve it as requested by other software applications - on the same computer or on another computer across a shared network. The solution is built on top of Structured Query Language (SQL), which is a standardized programming language used for relational database management.
The product is tied to Transact-SQL (T-SQL), which is an implementation of SQL from Microsoft that adds several proprietary programming extensions to the standard language. SQL Server is built similarly to other RDBMS products, as its structure is a row-based table that connects related data elements in different tables to one another. One of its most important components is the SQL Server Database Engine, as it controls data processing, storage, and security. Beneath the Database Engine is the SQL Server Operating System, which is used for memory and I/O management, locking data to avoid unneeded upgrades, and job scheduling.
The solution has four editions with different sets of services and tools. They include:
The first two are available for free and are typically utilized by smaller companies, as they work with fewer functions and storage. The second two editions are generally used by bigger organizations and enterprises and offer more features.
The solution has several functions through which users can facilitate different data-related processes. These include:
SQL Server Services
SQL Server has a wide range of add-on services that provide additional benefits beyond database management. These services include:
SQL Server Benefits
The solution has many benefits for users. These include the following:
Reviews from Real Users
A president at a consultancy evaluates SQL Server as a veteran solution with critical log shipping feature.
Harkamal S., a user at a manufacturing company, rates SQL Server with a high mark because it is a stable, scalable, and easy-to-deploy solution that pretty much covers everything.
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